National team loses against the Netherlands and says goodbye to the European Championship. “Quinas” did not score any points.

There was no concern, essentially in the first part, and more than that. It ended up lacking that almost miraculous luck, but at the same time full of merit, which Portugal has had on many occasions. Yesterday, as “Quinas” said goodbye to the European 202, after losing to the countries (32-31), in a competition front that the selection, but where he could not avenge his heart because of the huge range of absences.

Portugal knew what it was going to do. The game was all or nothing and only a triumph by two goals difference would serve as a passport to the “main wheel”. And maybe that’s why, because of the need to win by a pre-established margin, like “Quinas” ended up accusing pressure. At half-time, the advantage was more comfortable for the Dutch (17-13) and only Gustavo Capdeville’s magnificent display prevented the numbers from being even looser.

The break worked perfectly and with a recalibrated aim, Portugal galloped rumors of recovery. But one minute from the final whistle, Gilberto Duarte received a two-minute suspension and Diogo Branquinho, isolated, hit the post. What could be the goal of hope, ended up revealing the goodbye shot, after three defeats in as many games.

“I accept the mistake as a coach”

We should have done a little more loving. Design the opportunity for us to move forward and not take a few steps. I think we could have done better. In defensive terms we knew very well where we would have problems. In the second half, I improved the mistake as a coach, we probably wouldn’t prepare the game well. go wrong”, said Paulo Jorge Pereira, national coach, things in reaction to the game.